Early Breakfast withRelebogile Mabotja

Yesterday, the SACP said that the head of the hawks Berneng Ntlemeza was overheard saying that he had a mandate to go after communists.

The party also claims that Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan is the victim of a similar campaign – and that Ntlemeza is abusing his power for political ends.

The SACP Second Deputy General Secretary Solly Mapaila told 702’s Xolani Gwala why he believed
the hawks were not neutral.

Stephen Grootes spoke to Hawks spokesperson, Hangwani Muladzi, to find out if there was any truth in these claims.

We are surprised. We are still trying to ascertain where this claim is coming from.

— Hangwani Muladzi, Hawks spokesperson

Muladzi says that the SACP must make it clear to the public where this information came from.

If they are aggrieved, then they have a right to go open a case at any police station or go to to the Public Protector or to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) judge, so that it can be investigated.

— Hangwani Muladzi, Hawks spokesperson

Grootes pointed at that despite expressing shock at the claims in the Hawks statement that was released, there is no clear denial.

I do not have to deny or confirm anything. Come out clearly and tell the nation where this information is coming from.

— Hangwani Muladzi, Hawks spokesperson

But when pushed on the matter by Grootes, Muludzi finally capitulated.

Let me put it to you and the nation. We deny this statement.

— Hangwani Muladzi, Hawks spokesperson

Grootes asked why the Hawks have not been very public about pursuing the investigation into the Gupta family offering Mcebisi Jonas the finance minister position, as well as not being seen to be dealing with Ntlemeza being found to be a liar.

These omissions may lead the public to question the hawks neutrality, said Grootes.

That matter of him (Ntlemeza) being a liar and unseated from his seat, that has been put aside.

— Hangwani Muladzi, Hawks spokesperson

Muludzi says it is part of an ongoing review that cannot be discussed at this stage.

If charges were laid by the SACP, it appears the Hawks boss Berning Ntlemeza would be happy to take up that challenge.

Mudluzi says that hos boss has always been very vocal about that. He has made it clear that if he is ever accused of wrong doing, he would be more than willing to co operate with any investigation.